Local Through the Mouths of Locals: a photographic exploration of American local food movements

Jordie Ricigliano (‘12.5) and Lany Khattiya (‘12) embarked on a journey last summer to discover what “local” means to communities across the country. Their travels, encounters, findings, and tastings culminated in an independent journalism project, Local Through the Mouths of Locals. The two friends began in Boston and ended in Seattle stopping to work on farms, prepare food, and eat with locals in cities including Cleveland, New Orleans, Indianapolis, Louisville, Austin, Santa Fe, Santa Barbara, and San Francisco. Despite the diversity of communities and food systems experienced, Jordie found that food across the country holds meaning in the people it originates from, not necessarily the physical place: “While I went into this thinking I would discover a local food movement, I quickly realized that "local" meant, at its core and above all else, a relationship of people.”

Jordie’s photography exhibit, a visual component of the Local Through the Mouths of Locals project, runs from November 12, 2012 to January 21, 2013 at 51 Main. A closing celebration and discussion about local food movements will be held at 51 Main on January 17th, 5pm-6:30pm.

Find more stories, images, and video footage on their blog and website.

This project was funded by Middlebury College Environmental Council, The MiddEndowment Career Action Fund, and Kickstarter sponsors.